‘Naive’ man funded Isil to help his jihadi-bride sister

THE “naive” brother of a 16-year-old jihadi bride has been found guilty of funding the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Syria (Isil).

Salim Wakil, 25, from Fleet, Hants, arranged to transfer $3,000 (£2,400) via Western Union for his sister Sumaiyyah in February 2017, the Old Bailey heard. Prosecutor Brett Weaver said: “The arrangement was made despite repeated warning from the police that any such transfer ... could lead to him committing a criminal offence.”

Wakil claimed he had only sent the funds to help his younger sibling return to the UK, even though she had married and had a daughter in Raqqa.

Wakil had lived with his parents and nine younger siblings, including Sumaiyyah, who is now 21, at the family home in Fleet the court heard.

In August 2014, aged just 16, Sumaiyyah travelled to Syria, leaving a letter explaining her reasons for joining IS.

An investigation by the Prevent deradicalisation programme found she had maintained contact with her family via Skype calls and social media, describing wanting to become a martyr.

While in Syria, she married 19-yearold Abu Dujana – real name Mehdi Hassan – from Portsmouth, who was killed fighting in the autumn of 2014.

Wakil repeatedly encouraged his sister to return. When she asked to see photos of her younger siblings, Wakil replied: “U come see them thanks.”

He denied entering into a funding arrangement but was found guilty by the Old Bailey jury.

Judge Rebecca Poulet QC said she had “no doubt this defendant was naive” and was not supportive of Isil himself. She said he “foolishly and wrongly” took the risk of sending money because he was “genuinely concerned for the safety of his sister”. The judge adjourned sentencing until Feb 8.